Skill set
A skill set is a particular category of skills to acquire a job. Examples of specific skill sets include human relations, research and planning, leadership, management and computer skills. Skills can be considered
1] Soft [people] skills. Soft skills are about who we are rather than what we know. They include personality driven skills like etiquette, listening, how well one interacts with others, etc. These skills are difficult to acquire and change.
2] Hard [quantifiable and teachable] skills. Hard skills, on the other hand are acquired and perfected over time, like education, training etc.
Job listings often include a list of skill sets that applicants require.
Companies have traditionally approached hiring in cut and dry, inflexible ways.
They hire a recruiter; pick a job board to post their open positions, and tracking candidates. Eventually they get to interviewing and finally hiring.
This approach to the hiring process can work for some, but the changing dynamics of today’s workplaces and the impact of digital technology means, most employees, especially small companies, need to be more nimble and direct. Small businesses typically have very specific needs, and they require very specific individuals to fill them.
A study shows that many employers only hire applicants who have held similar job titles as the position they are hiring for. But employers say they cannot find the skilled workers they need.
It is time to change the traditional recruitment model to help small businesses to resort to more efficient hires. By asking a series of carefully chosen questions in interviews, companies can determine if an individual is a good candidate or not.
It is therefore necessary to expand horizons. Consider the alternative talent pools where the required skills may be available.
An alternative talent pools is, “a group of workers with different job titles than the position advertised, but in closely related occupations”. In other words people with similar skill sets, just put to work in a different way. They will therefore not require a great deal of training.
The alternative skills pool may have people who have transferable skills. Transferable skills are skills gathered through various jobs, learning a new language, hobbies, sports or other life experiences that can be used in a job. These skills are important to those who face a layoff, new graduates looking for jobs etc.
Alternative skills are useful in a wide range of jobs and are not specific to just one job or field.